The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners Guild supports personal growth in the fibre arts through study groups, workshops, mentoring and sharing of experience.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Vancouver Island Retreat

Here we are just back from summer holidays and we are busy planning for another vacation. For those of you who do not live on Vancouver Island, I should explain. For the past 25 years the weaving and spinning groups on the island have held a spring retreat. This is an opportunity to rest, renew friendships and share information. Many of the guilds on the island are small and isolated so this event is important for keeping in touch with fellow weavers and spinners. You can only do some much via the internet. The 2012 spring retreat is being organized by the Qualicum Weavers and Spinners. It will take place March 30 to April 1, at the Quality Bayside Inn, in Parksville.

The two photos were taken from the patio of the Bayside Inn. They show the herring fleet in full action. What you may not be able to see in the photos are the masses of seagulls, the eagles and the sea lions that are attracted by the herring spawn. Herring season is late March to early April in our area.

So what has this got to do with creating beautiful yarn!

Nothing, but if you attend the retreat and you are lucky, you just may have a first hand lesson in the cycle of nature as well as learning some really great tips about spinning and weaving like how to avoid this mess.

The retreat will include vendors, a display of works, a fashion show, and mini workshops. Since this is the 25th anniversary of the retreat the organizers are planning a memory board with photos of previous retreats. Dust off those photos if you have them.

For those who are ambitious there will be a bag exchange. Participants are invited to create a bag that they will submit to the exchange in return for a bag created by some one else. The only requirement is that the bag be made by the person who submits it.

See the Island Shuttle publication for more information about the Vancouver Island Guilds Retreat. Alternatively, you might want to plan a similar event for the groups in your neck of the woods. We could all use an inspirational recharge about the time that winter is fading.

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About Us

The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners Guild has been part of the Oceanside artisan community since 1991. The guild evolved from a small group of students of noted local weaver Elaine Duncan to approximately 50 members. The group promotes the fibre arts through information sharing, demonstrations and workshops. The group meets the fourth Monday of the month at Qualicum Commons in Qualicum Beach to exchange ideas and learn. Much of the learning occurs in the form of show and tell with individual artisans sharing their experiences. Study groups, workshops and mentoring all support the guild's goal of fostering personal growth in the fibre arts. The guild is a member of the Oceanside Arts Council, The Association of North West Weaving Guilds and the Guild of Canadian Hand Weavers.

Guests are welcome to attend our monthly meetings. For the schedule see Guild Events.

Links of Interest

ELEGANT THREADS

Elegant Threads is the annual show and sale of the Qualicum Weavers and Spinners.

It features one of a kind hand spun yarns, unique clothing, household linens and decor and whimsical creations. All of the items are hand crafted by members of the guild.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the sale including family members who provided the heavy lifting.

Thanks also to Winterfest for helping with the promotion.

If you missed the show look for us in November of 2018

Guild Events

January 16 to 30th, Knitting Basics lessons, Qualicum Commons

January 24, 10 am to 3 pm, Beginners Weaving Course, This course runs for 5 weeks on Wednesdays. It takes place at the guild studio at 744 Primrose St, Qualicum Beach. For more information contact weaversatelier@shaw.ca

Feb 22, 2pm , Exploring More Study Group meeting Qualicum Commons

Feb 23 and 28, Nuno Felting 1 day Workshop, Qualicum Commons (Feb 23rd session is full). This workshop is open to non-members. Contact us if you are interested in attending the Feb 28th session.

Feb 27, 10 pm, Annual General Meeting, Qualicum Commons

March 5 and 12, 1 to 4 pm, Learning Weaving Drafts. Day 1, the basics, Day 2 profile drafts. This workshop is open to non-members. Contact us if you are interested.

Tuesdays 10 am to 12 pm, Spinning group meets most Tuesdays at the guild studio in Qualicum Commons